Dear Jimmy Eat World,
I saw you so many times. In concerts. On youtube. And (virtually) performing in my living room (when listening to your records). Two occasions stick out. And I want to let you know … because you also shared so much with me.
In 2001 I saw you for the very first time at “Rheinkultur” in Colgone / Bonn. It was an open air festival. I was young and innocent and did not know a lot about life (at least from today’s perspective). I was in the pit in front of the stage. It was raining like hell inbetween the songs. I never knew you before or listened to your songs. I instantly loved your sound. And your songs. Your drive and your music taught me everything I needed back then, to get through life. That was an amazing day – and I still often think about it.
I saw you the last time yesterday (2nd July 2017) in Cologne. I am not 23 any more … so I was just behind the pit. Starting with the first song I was thinking. Yeah! That song. And there was an occasion or an event within the last 16 years in my life, that your music related to. Some are good. Some are sad. Some are absolutely outstanding. There was one for every song you played. And a lot has happened: Girl friends, break-ups, work outs, games, graduation, work life, family stuff, health, parties, moving between cities, marriage, travelling the world, children, settling in a house, mowing the lawn, drinking, loosing people (sometimes forever), meeting friends, …
I listened to your music for the better half of my life. And there are so many great memories. That last night with you was totally awesome and felt like a time laps through the last 16 years. I am still smiling – and I am still singing back.
For me and my tribe I can say: As long as you keep playing, I will keep coming.
Kind regards,
Dino
P.S.: Play it loud. Play it hard.
do what you love - and the rest comes easy 